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Crownhaven #2
The Rebel Seeks A Wife
He’s the country’s most eligible bachelor. She’s the bodyguard he’s secretly teaching how to date…and the best friend he wants for himself.
Tristan Prince is trouble. He’s charming, devious, and too handsome for his own good. I’m the bodyguard in the background, and the best friend who spent the last three years swearing she’d never let her feelings for Tristan grow.
He might be looking for a wife, but I’m the last woman he’d ever marry.
My plan? Learn to date, and get over my best friend.
Until Tristan offers to teach me himself.
Coaching becomes practice. Practice flames into jealousy.
I don’t belong in Tristan’s world…
And Tristan? He belongs to someone else.
Tristan Prince is trouble. He’s charming, devious, and too handsome for his own good. I’m the bodyguard in the background, and the best friend who spent the last three years swearing she’d never let her feelings for Tristan grow.
He might be looking for a wife, but I’m the last woman he’d ever marry.
My plan? Learn to date, and get over my best friend.
Until Tristan offers to teach me himself.
Coaching becomes practice. Practice flames into jealousy.
I don’t belong in Tristan’s world…
And Tristan? He belongs to someone else.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2026
About the author
Sophia Travers
10 books331 followersSophia Travers has been reading romance novels for as long as she can remember (sorry, Mom, for stealing all those books and hiding them under the bed). Ever since she discovered that writing romance is just as addicting as reading it, she's been populating fictional worlds with smitten heroes and ambitious heroines. She loves enemies to lovers, second chances, heroines who know what they want, and lots and lots of angst.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 350 reviews
June 27, 2026
I absolutely loved it.
Not just the fake dates, but everything organized around Tristan’s search for a wife. Reading about how Katie and Tristan have felt as the left-overs, the ones who aren’t chosen, and how that makes it harder for them to choose each other.
It’s a genuine friends to lovers story, full of banter, chemistry and the kind of trust that can only exist between close friends.
It’s been a pleasure to read; I would have liked to stay in Crownhaven a bit longer, but I’ll have to wait for the next book.
Not just the fake dates, but everything organized around Tristan’s search for a wife. Reading about how Katie and Tristan have felt as the left-overs, the ones who aren’t chosen, and how that makes it harder for them to choose each other.
It’s a genuine friends to lovers story, full of banter, chemistry and the kind of trust that can only exist between close friends.
It’s been a pleasure to read; I would have liked to stay in Crownhaven a bit longer, but I’ll have to wait for the next book.
August 11, 2026
How adorable were they both together. Like almost they were meant to be.
I love how vulnerable they were together and how they looked through each other.
to be honest, Katie's character was my favourite. Because i think she had that rational mind, you know? where she did feel every emotion and she was the one who understood everyone around her. And i love they way she shows her affection towards Tristan. Her small desire to go to college, the way she lights up when she wears a good dress- everything so just perfect for her character. I think i have a girl crush on her lol
Also i felt that the dialogue writing was so thoughtful. This book had some of most beautiful dialogues i have ever read.
These are some of my fav ones↴
Apart from this there are some things i didn't like about this book↴
I felt that there were too many repeated phrases like "he is larger than life" was literally in every alternate chapters. And also there was a lot of mention about "how broad and strong his shoulders were".
Also i kind of not understood the logistics in last 40% of the book, like the bodyguard part entirely disappeared and they were just described as hanging out with each other.
And also the grandfather's character was kind of weird? He was so so against their relationship and then he suddenly said yes to everything at the end? kind of missed that forbidden-romance feel.
so overall it was 3.75 stars, rounded off to 4 stars.
*Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ALC of this book
⁕⁙°◊—————————————————-◊°⁙⁕
↪pre-read
I'm already 30% into this book and i see how likeable Tristan is. They both are adoarable.
Loving it so far!
I love how vulnerable they were together and how they looked through each other.
to be honest, Katie's character was my favourite. Because i think she had that rational mind, you know? where she did feel every emotion and she was the one who understood everyone around her. And i love they way she shows her affection towards Tristan. Her small desire to go to college, the way she lights up when she wears a good dress- everything so just perfect for her character. I think i have a girl crush on her lol
Also i felt that the dialogue writing was so thoughtful. This book had some of most beautiful dialogues i have ever read.
These are some of my fav ones↴
The world experiences Tristan Prince, not the other way around.
If I piss her off enough, she’ll put me in a headlock. Those days are my favorite.
“I try not to want things. You know that.”
“That’s okay,” she calls back. “I’ll want it for you.”
Katie might be out dancing with guys with boring names, but I’m still the one who carries her home.
Katie Bailey and me at the end of the world.
“There was a you-shaped hole in my life until you arrived. I don’t need you to change.” His smile hitches upward. “You fit it exactly how you are.”
I’d still put myself between you and danger, because a world without you isn’t one I want to live in.”
“If only that little boy knew he had a Katie to look forward to.”
“It’s me, is it?” “All I’ve ever wanted,” she breathes. “Just you.”
Apart from this there are some things i didn't like about this book↴
I felt that there were too many repeated phrases like "he is larger than life" was literally in every alternate chapters. And also there was a lot of mention about "how broad and strong his shoulders were".
Also i kind of not understood the logistics in last 40% of the book, like the bodyguard part entirely disappeared and they were just described as hanging out with each other.
And also the grandfather's character was kind of weird? He was so so against their relationship and then he suddenly said yes to everything at the end? kind of missed that forbidden-romance feel.
so overall it was 3.75 stars, rounded off to 4 stars.
*Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ALC of this book
⁕⁙°◊—————————————————-◊°⁙⁕
↪pre-read
I'm already 30% into this book and i see how likeable Tristan is. They both are adoarable.
"The world experiences Tristan Prince, not the other way around."
Loving it so far!
June 8, 2026
I don't think this book was for me. It was honestly a bit boring and lacked exciting events. I also didn't really like the main characters.
August 5, 2026
After finishing The Heir, I immediately jumped into The Rebel Seeks A Wife . My expectations were admittedly sky-high. Aiden and Emory had completely shifted the foundation on which I was standing, and I was eager to return to Crownhaven. More importantly, this happened to feature my all-time favourite tropes: friends-to-lovers. The sad thing is, I genuinely cannot remember the last friends-to-lovers romance that truly swept me off my feet. It has probably been close to a decade since I picked up my last one, and I now I am left wondering why that is the case. Naturally, I went into this one hoping Sophia Travers would finally break that streak. Unfortunately, while I enjoyed returning to this world, this story never quite lived up to the promise I had built in my head.
The Rebel Seeks A Wife follows Tristan Prince, the charming younger Prince brother and Katie Bailey, his fiercely competent bodyguard and closest friend. Katie has spent years convincing herself that falling in love with Tristan is the worst possible idea, while Tristan is suddenly faced with the expectation of finding a wife despite having no real understanding of what it feels like to genuinely fall for someone. What begins as harmless coaching to help Katie navigate the modern dating scene slowly evolves into blurred lines, mounting jealousy, and the terrifying realization that perhaps the person they have both been searching for has been standing beside them all along.
Katie was probably the stronger half of this pairing for me. As an adopted child who entered her family later in life, there is a quiet sadness that follows her throughout the novel. Having spent much of her childhood constantly moving because of her father’s work, she has never really had the opportunity to put down roots or experience many of the milestones she quietly longs for. More than anything, Katie wants permanence. She wants to be chosen. Those insecurities shape so much of who she is, making her incredibly easy to sympathize with.
Tristan, on the other hand, left me conflicted. He has all the ingredients of a fantastic hero. He is charismatic, witty, effortlessly likeable, and capable of walking into any room and making it brighter. Yet beneath that easygoing exterior lies someone who has spent his entire life believing he is merely the spare, raised to step in only if Aiden cannot fulfil his role as heir.
That burden explains much of his reluctance to embrace responsibility or allow himself to fully commit emotionally. I understood where Sophia Travers was taking his character, but I never felt the magnetic pull I expected to feel for his character. Tristan often felt stuck between the carefree charmer everyone expected him to be and the emotionally guarded man hiding underneath, leaving him strangely adrift for much of the novel.
Perhaps my biggest disappointment stemmed from the expectations the story itself created. Katie overhears conversations about how irresistible Tristan is, how unforgettable he is in bed, how utterly insatiable he can be, and that he likes it a bit on the rough side or rather he likes being dominated in bed. Naturally, that builds anticipation, especially because Katie herself quietly longs to experience a passion that consumes her completely.
I expected that once these two finally crossed the line, Tristan would become that man for her. I wanted the kind of romance where they disappeared behind closed doors for forty-eight hours and forgot the rest of the world existed. Instead, their relationship unfolded with a surprising gentleness. There is nothing wrong with softer intimacy, but it simply did not match either Tristan’s reputation or the expectations the story itself had carefully built.
My biggest issue, however, was the pacing. The constant push and pull between Tristan and Katie eventually became repetitive, and by the final quarter I found myself skimming simply because very little seemed to be changing. I kept waiting for the simmering tension that defines the very best friends-to-lovers romances, where years of suppressed feelings explode into something impossible to resist. Instead, the relationship unfolded far more gently than I had anticipated.
Given Tristan’s reputation throughout the story as the irresistible, insatiable Prince brother, I expected that side of him to come alive once Katie finally became his. Instead, the romance remained surprisingly restrained, and by the time the story fully embraced their physical relationship, I had already lost much of the excitement I felt earlier in the novel.
What made the latter half even more frustrating was the way the romance was ultimately framed. By the end, it almost feels as though Tristan and Katie had been in love with each other all along. If that was truly the case, then much of the hesitation and prolonged uncertainty that dominated the story suddenly feels difficult to reconcile. It made me question why it took so long for either of them to acknowledge feelings that, in hindsight, appeared to have existed from the very beginning. Rather than adding another layer to their relationship, that revelation weakened much of the tension that had been driving the novel.
I also found myself confused by one lingering thread from The Heir. The previous book appeared to suggest Tristan had finally found a lead in his long search for his fiancée, yet that storyline seemed to disappear almost entirely here. Perhaps I misunderstood that ending but it was difficult not to notice the inconsistency. Likewise, Tristan’s reluctance to seriously step into the role expected of him became frustrating after a while. Much of the conflict stemmed from his own hesitation rather than any external force, and without stronger obstacles driving the story forward, the novel occasionally felt as though it was circling the same emotional ground.
That said, returning to Crownhaven was still enjoyable, largely because Aiden and Emory continue to steal every scene they appear in. Their effortless affection, unwavering devotion, and undeniable chemistry served as a constant reminder of just how much I adored the previous book. Every appearance from them injected fresh energy into the story and, admittedly, became some of my favourite moments.
Recommended for: Readers who enjoy slow-burn friends-to-lovers romances, best-friend dynamics, emotionally guarded heroes, and character-driven contemporary romance over high drama.
Final Verdict: The Rebel Seeks A Wife had all the right ingredients but never quite caught fire. Sweet, heartfelt, and quietly romantic, yet I could not help wishing it had embraced the sparks it promised.
Rating = 3/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
The Rebel Seeks A Wife follows Tristan Prince, the charming younger Prince brother and Katie Bailey, his fiercely competent bodyguard and closest friend. Katie has spent years convincing herself that falling in love with Tristan is the worst possible idea, while Tristan is suddenly faced with the expectation of finding a wife despite having no real understanding of what it feels like to genuinely fall for someone. What begins as harmless coaching to help Katie navigate the modern dating scene slowly evolves into blurred lines, mounting jealousy, and the terrifying realization that perhaps the person they have both been searching for has been standing beside them all along.
Katie was probably the stronger half of this pairing for me. As an adopted child who entered her family later in life, there is a quiet sadness that follows her throughout the novel. Having spent much of her childhood constantly moving because of her father’s work, she has never really had the opportunity to put down roots or experience many of the milestones she quietly longs for. More than anything, Katie wants permanence. She wants to be chosen. Those insecurities shape so much of who she is, making her incredibly easy to sympathize with.
Tristan, on the other hand, left me conflicted. He has all the ingredients of a fantastic hero. He is charismatic, witty, effortlessly likeable, and capable of walking into any room and making it brighter. Yet beneath that easygoing exterior lies someone who has spent his entire life believing he is merely the spare, raised to step in only if Aiden cannot fulfil his role as heir.
That burden explains much of his reluctance to embrace responsibility or allow himself to fully commit emotionally. I understood where Sophia Travers was taking his character, but I never felt the magnetic pull I expected to feel for his character. Tristan often felt stuck between the carefree charmer everyone expected him to be and the emotionally guarded man hiding underneath, leaving him strangely adrift for much of the novel.
Perhaps my biggest disappointment stemmed from the expectations the story itself created. Katie overhears conversations about how irresistible Tristan is, how unforgettable he is in bed, how utterly insatiable he can be, and that he likes it a bit on the rough side or rather he likes being dominated in bed. Naturally, that builds anticipation, especially because Katie herself quietly longs to experience a passion that consumes her completely.
I expected that once these two finally crossed the line, Tristan would become that man for her. I wanted the kind of romance where they disappeared behind closed doors for forty-eight hours and forgot the rest of the world existed. Instead, their relationship unfolded with a surprising gentleness. There is nothing wrong with softer intimacy, but it simply did not match either Tristan’s reputation or the expectations the story itself had carefully built.
My biggest issue, however, was the pacing. The constant push and pull between Tristan and Katie eventually became repetitive, and by the final quarter I found myself skimming simply because very little seemed to be changing. I kept waiting for the simmering tension that defines the very best friends-to-lovers romances, where years of suppressed feelings explode into something impossible to resist. Instead, the relationship unfolded far more gently than I had anticipated.
Given Tristan’s reputation throughout the story as the irresistible, insatiable Prince brother, I expected that side of him to come alive once Katie finally became his. Instead, the romance remained surprisingly restrained, and by the time the story fully embraced their physical relationship, I had already lost much of the excitement I felt earlier in the novel.
What made the latter half even more frustrating was the way the romance was ultimately framed. By the end, it almost feels as though Tristan and Katie had been in love with each other all along. If that was truly the case, then much of the hesitation and prolonged uncertainty that dominated the story suddenly feels difficult to reconcile. It made me question why it took so long for either of them to acknowledge feelings that, in hindsight, appeared to have existed from the very beginning. Rather than adding another layer to their relationship, that revelation weakened much of the tension that had been driving the novel.
I also found myself confused by one lingering thread from The Heir. The previous book appeared to suggest Tristan had finally found a lead in his long search for his fiancée, yet that storyline seemed to disappear almost entirely here. Perhaps I misunderstood that ending but it was difficult not to notice the inconsistency. Likewise, Tristan’s reluctance to seriously step into the role expected of him became frustrating after a while. Much of the conflict stemmed from his own hesitation rather than any external force, and without stronger obstacles driving the story forward, the novel occasionally felt as though it was circling the same emotional ground.
That said, returning to Crownhaven was still enjoyable, largely because Aiden and Emory continue to steal every scene they appear in. Their effortless affection, unwavering devotion, and undeniable chemistry served as a constant reminder of just how much I adored the previous book. Every appearance from them injected fresh energy into the story and, admittedly, became some of my favourite moments.
Recommended for: Readers who enjoy slow-burn friends-to-lovers romances, best-friend dynamics, emotionally guarded heroes, and character-driven contemporary romance over high drama.
Final Verdict: The Rebel Seeks A Wife had all the right ingredients but never quite caught fire. Sweet, heartfelt, and quietly romantic, yet I could not help wishing it had embraced the sparks it promised.
Rating = 3/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
June 4, 2026
#Review: *The Rebel Seeks A Wife* - Sophia Travers - ARC [18+]
5/5✨
3.5/5🌶️
Tristan Prince is part of a very wealthy family, being one of the most famous and wanted bachelor in town. Katie Bailey has been on his side as his bodyguard for a couple of years, but she grew some feelings for him during this time, a secret crush about which no one has to know. So, Katie has decided that she needed to date other men, in order to tame her forbidden feelings for Tristan, who was destined to marry another woman anyway. But Katie was quite clumsy when it came to dating, so Tristan offered to help her with some lessons. Only these sessions would only put gas on the fire which has already ignited in Katie's heart. Will they be able to just be with other people and leave their feelings behind?
I really don't know what Sophia put in this book, but it made me super addicted to it 🤭. I just couldn't get enough of Tristan and Katie, who had such a cute friendship there, but you could clearly feel that insane tension between them, the yearning being so intense, which was simply the best way of keeping me captivated by this story. Those dating lessons were filled with so much electricity between these two, which made them a bit reckless, but the pull towards one another was too strong. I loved each of their personalities, being complete opposites, Katie being more insecure and closed up, meanwhile Tristan was such a golden retriever, always having the easiest time in charming everyone around him. I felt inspired by Katie, who was such a badass, being one of the best on her field, yet she wasn't that confident in herself, always being surprised when someone praised her, something which I believe that was it super sweet.
I simply looved everything about this story, having such a great time following those little moments between our characters. It was such a pleasure to watch them fight against what they felt and how everything became more intense with each passing chapter. I was completely enraptured by that constant banter and by the way these two got along so well. They definitely stole my heart and I couldn't get enough of them🥰. I truly cannot wait for the next book from this series, because both of the books I've already read were incredible and I'm pretty sure that I'll adore the next one as well😍💗.
Thank you so, so much Sophia for accepting me for this e-ARC. I'm super grateful for it, loving each little thing about this book!💗
✨Tropes
▫️Forbidden Love
▫️Love Lessons
▫️Bodyguard
▫️Billionaire Heir
▫️Opposites Attract
▫️Pinning & Angst
▫️She Falls First
▫️He Falls Harder
▫️Flirty MMC
▫️Forced Proximity
5/5✨
3.5/5🌶️
Tristan Prince is part of a very wealthy family, being one of the most famous and wanted bachelor in town. Katie Bailey has been on his side as his bodyguard for a couple of years, but she grew some feelings for him during this time, a secret crush about which no one has to know. So, Katie has decided that she needed to date other men, in order to tame her forbidden feelings for Tristan, who was destined to marry another woman anyway. But Katie was quite clumsy when it came to dating, so Tristan offered to help her with some lessons. Only these sessions would only put gas on the fire which has already ignited in Katie's heart. Will they be able to just be with other people and leave their feelings behind?
I really don't know what Sophia put in this book, but it made me super addicted to it 🤭. I just couldn't get enough of Tristan and Katie, who had such a cute friendship there, but you could clearly feel that insane tension between them, the yearning being so intense, which was simply the best way of keeping me captivated by this story. Those dating lessons were filled with so much electricity between these two, which made them a bit reckless, but the pull towards one another was too strong. I loved each of their personalities, being complete opposites, Katie being more insecure and closed up, meanwhile Tristan was such a golden retriever, always having the easiest time in charming everyone around him. I felt inspired by Katie, who was such a badass, being one of the best on her field, yet she wasn't that confident in herself, always being surprised when someone praised her, something which I believe that was it super sweet.
I simply looved everything about this story, having such a great time following those little moments between our characters. It was such a pleasure to watch them fight against what they felt and how everything became more intense with each passing chapter. I was completely enraptured by that constant banter and by the way these two got along so well. They definitely stole my heart and I couldn't get enough of them🥰. I truly cannot wait for the next book from this series, because both of the books I've already read were incredible and I'm pretty sure that I'll adore the next one as well😍💗.
Thank you so, so much Sophia for accepting me for this e-ARC. I'm super grateful for it, loving each little thing about this book!💗
✨Tropes
▫️Forbidden Love
▫️Love Lessons
▫️Bodyguard
▫️Billionaire Heir
▫️Opposites Attract
▫️Pinning & Angst
▫️She Falls First
▫️He Falls Harder
▫️Flirty MMC
▫️Forced Proximity
July 2, 2026
I loved the first one so much. This was a bit of a disappointment for me. I felt myself getting bored….nothing really happened.
Friends to Lovers
Billionaire/Normal person
Will they/Won’t they
Lots of tension
Open door
Friends to Lovers
Billionaire/Normal person
Will they/Won’t they
Lots of tension
Open door
May 29, 2026
~ 3.75 stars — ARC READ
-
From the moment I got romantic energy from Tristan and Katie in The Heir, I was very excited to see how their book would unravel, and I was not disappointed. I adored reading about these two and thought they made perfect sense together. This book was definitely a light-hearted read that was easy to get through, but it touched on great themes such as self-worth, insecurity and familial pressures that enhanced the plot and writing.
I often feel like friends-to-lovers is one of the hardest tropes to get right for me as a reader, yet Sophia Travers did great at nurturing their friendship into romantic territory. Tristan and Katie had a great platonic foundation, and as their feelings slowly turned romantic, it was logical and paced at a great speed. I thought they had really good tension and angst, and I enjoyed how it slowly built up throughout the chapters, especially with the great addition of humour. Authors often overcomplicate friends-to-lovers to give it that "wow" factor, but Sophia Travers took a clean and direct approach, and it worked perfectly for the type of characters that Tristan and Katie were.
My critiques are more so nitpicks that I personally have, as the biggest critique I have for romance books— the writing style — was amazing, as usual in Sophia Traver's books. For one, the granddad was slightly too irritating for me, and I dreaded every scene with him. I do understand his part to play, but I think since he behaved quite similarly in The Heir, I hoped for him to have some character development in this book. I hope that for Whit and Sienna's book, there is some improvement in his behaviour. In addition, I find that sometimes authors can make their MCs talk about their emotions with other characters too frequently, and I observed this trend occur in this book as well. It's an easy way for us as the reader to know how the MC is feeling, but it can be overdone at times.
I found that Tristan especially would frequently talk about how he felt to his siblings, and it slightly felt like I was being told his emotions and attraction towards Katie, rather than being shown. Within The Heir, I felt that their attraction to one another was articulated really well; however, since this was a friends-to-lovers trope, it was more difficult to be discreet in describing the blooming attraction without it appearing from nowhere.
Regardless, I enjoyed reading Tristan and Katie's romance and found it adorably cute and funny. I can't wait to read Sienna and Whit's!!
Thank you to Sophia Travers & her team for this ARC :)
-
From the moment I got romantic energy from Tristan and Katie in The Heir, I was very excited to see how their book would unravel, and I was not disappointed. I adored reading about these two and thought they made perfect sense together. This book was definitely a light-hearted read that was easy to get through, but it touched on great themes such as self-worth, insecurity and familial pressures that enhanced the plot and writing.
I often feel like friends-to-lovers is one of the hardest tropes to get right for me as a reader, yet Sophia Travers did great at nurturing their friendship into romantic territory. Tristan and Katie had a great platonic foundation, and as their feelings slowly turned romantic, it was logical and paced at a great speed. I thought they had really good tension and angst, and I enjoyed how it slowly built up throughout the chapters, especially with the great addition of humour. Authors often overcomplicate friends-to-lovers to give it that "wow" factor, but Sophia Travers took a clean and direct approach, and it worked perfectly for the type of characters that Tristan and Katie were.
My critiques are more so nitpicks that I personally have, as the biggest critique I have for romance books— the writing style — was amazing, as usual in Sophia Traver's books. For one, the granddad was slightly too irritating for me, and I dreaded every scene with him. I do understand his part to play, but I think since he behaved quite similarly in The Heir, I hoped for him to have some character development in this book. I hope that for Whit and Sienna's book, there is some improvement in his behaviour. In addition, I find that sometimes authors can make their MCs talk about their emotions with other characters too frequently, and I observed this trend occur in this book as well. It's an easy way for us as the reader to know how the MC is feeling, but it can be overdone at times.
I found that Tristan especially would frequently talk about how he felt to his siblings, and it slightly felt like I was being told his emotions and attraction towards Katie, rather than being shown. Within The Heir, I felt that their attraction to one another was articulated really well; however, since this was a friends-to-lovers trope, it was more difficult to be discreet in describing the blooming attraction without it appearing from nowhere.
Regardless, I enjoyed reading Tristan and Katie's romance and found it adorably cute and funny. I can't wait to read Sienna and Whit's!!
Thank you to Sophia Travers & her team for this ARC :)
Read
June 5, 2026The Rebel Seeks a Wife gave me exactly what I love most in a romance. Characters who feel genuinely real and a story that takes its time with them and goes beyond romance.
What I cherished most was the friendship layer. Not just between Katie and Tristan, but also between Katie and the siblings. That warmth made the whole story feel so much fuller, and watching Katie slowly become part of that family was honestly one of my favourite things about the book.
And then the tension between the two of them... so good. They're protecting a friendship that they dont want to lose but both of them are also trying to gather the strength to go after what they really want. The professional setting makes it even more complicated and I was hanging on every interaction waiting for something to shift.
Katie felt incredibly relatable to me, the insecurities, the fear of being overlooked, the jealousy. There were moments I genuinely felt seen. Tristan is guarded in his own way and watching these two slowly lower their walls around each other was so satisfying.
If you love slow burn, simmering tension, and stories that are really about the people in them.... this one's for you.
What I cherished most was the friendship layer. Not just between Katie and Tristan, but also between Katie and the siblings. That warmth made the whole story feel so much fuller, and watching Katie slowly become part of that family was honestly one of my favourite things about the book.
And then the tension between the two of them... so good. They're protecting a friendship that they dont want to lose but both of them are also trying to gather the strength to go after what they really want. The professional setting makes it even more complicated and I was hanging on every interaction waiting for something to shift.
Katie felt incredibly relatable to me, the insecurities, the fear of being overlooked, the jealousy. There were moments I genuinely felt seen. Tristan is guarded in his own way and watching these two slowly lower their walls around each other was so satisfying.
If you love slow burn, simmering tension, and stories that are really about the people in them.... this one's for you.
May 18, 2026
Bodyguard romance, billionaire drama, and a “we choose each other” love story that *almost* worked for me. 💛
I liked the emotional core of the story, especially the idea of two people who have both felt unchosen finally finding that in each other. That thread was really sweet, and I appreciated Katie’s loyalty and the way she shows up for the people in her life.
Where it fell a little short for me was in how some of Katie’s struggles were handled. Her insecurity around being seen and fitting into Tristan’s world was introduced early on as a major concern, but it didn’t feel fully resolved by the end. At the same time, other aspects of her inner world felt more repetitive than expansive (particularly the repeated use of ‘insatiable’), which made it harder for me to fully connect with her growth.
I could see what the story was going for with both Katie and Tristan, and there were moments where it really worked. Overall, this was an easy, familiar read, and I think readers who enjoyed the first book will likely enjoy this one as well. 📚✨
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the emotional core of the story, especially the idea of two people who have both felt unchosen finally finding that in each other. That thread was really sweet, and I appreciated Katie’s loyalty and the way she shows up for the people in her life.
Where it fell a little short for me was in how some of Katie’s struggles were handled. Her insecurity around being seen and fitting into Tristan’s world was introduced early on as a major concern, but it didn’t feel fully resolved by the end. At the same time, other aspects of her inner world felt more repetitive than expansive (particularly the repeated use of ‘insatiable’), which made it harder for me to fully connect with her growth.
I could see what the story was going for with both Katie and Tristan, and there were moments where it really worked. Overall, this was an easy, familiar read, and I think readers who enjoyed the first book will likely enjoy this one as well. 📚✨
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2026
Arc review
Thank you to the author for the advance copy.
I want to say that I was impressed and captivated by this book and it deserves more than 5 stars!
For me this book was PERFECTION.
It was funny, witty and entertaining .
I loved every single pages!
The characters were so funny and wonderful, I loved so much Tristan and Katie.
I have to say i don’t usually read friends to lovers, but THIS AMAZING ROMANCE given me the proof that the dynamic between friends can be REALLY HOT.
Honestly now I want to read every single books about the Prince and WOW WOW WOW
Thank you to the author for the advance copy.
I want to say that I was impressed and captivated by this book and it deserves more than 5 stars!
For me this book was PERFECTION.
It was funny, witty and entertaining .
I loved every single pages!
The characters were so funny and wonderful, I loved so much Tristan and Katie.
I have to say i don’t usually read friends to lovers, but THIS AMAZING ROMANCE given me the proof that the dynamic between friends can be REALLY HOT.
Honestly now I want to read every single books about the Prince and WOW WOW WOW
June 1, 2026
In The Rebel Seeks a Wife by Sophia Travers the focus is very much on the characters and I absolutely love stories like this one. Katie and Tristan both carry their own emotional baggage, which complicates things a little, but it’s so satisfying to watch them grow and figure out what they truly want from life.
As frustrating as it might be in real life, I love when, in fiction, two characters don’t see themselves as romantic interests, especially when they’re trying to protect a friendship they don’t want to lose. And then having to watch that person look for a partner elsewhere...
❤️🩹 “What are you afraid of?” My heart jolts. So many things. Trying my best and failing anyway. Counting on people and having them leave. Never being chosen.
Katie’s inner turmoil added so much emotion to the story. The jealousy, the insecurities, the feeling of being easy to overlook... all of these things make her a complex and deeply human character whose journey you genuinely want to follow. She also felt incredibly relatable to me. There were several moments when I felt truly seen. Then there’s Tristan, who is used to not being someone’s first choice, who is afraid of feeling too much and therefore builds walls around himself. And just like Katie, he also struggles with insecurity and jealousy.
That’s exactly why the tension between them is so delicious. Tristan and Katie constantly push the boundaries of their relationship, especially since their friendship exists within a professional setting. You keep longing for something more to happen between them, but you also understand their hesitation and find yourself eagerly waiting for that turning point.
“I don’t want to be alone. I want to be wanted.” 🥹
★★★★☆
Happy release day! Thank you so much @sophiatraversauthor for sending me this ARC! ❤️
As frustrating as it might be in real life, I love when, in fiction, two characters don’t see themselves as romantic interests, especially when they’re trying to protect a friendship they don’t want to lose. And then having to watch that person look for a partner elsewhere...
❤️🩹 “What are you afraid of?” My heart jolts. So many things. Trying my best and failing anyway. Counting on people and having them leave. Never being chosen.
Katie’s inner turmoil added so much emotion to the story. The jealousy, the insecurities, the feeling of being easy to overlook... all of these things make her a complex and deeply human character whose journey you genuinely want to follow. She also felt incredibly relatable to me. There were several moments when I felt truly seen. Then there’s Tristan, who is used to not being someone’s first choice, who is afraid of feeling too much and therefore builds walls around himself. And just like Katie, he also struggles with insecurity and jealousy.
That’s exactly why the tension between them is so delicious. Tristan and Katie constantly push the boundaries of their relationship, especially since their friendship exists within a professional setting. You keep longing for something more to happen between them, but you also understand their hesitation and find yourself eagerly waiting for that turning point.
“I don’t want to be alone. I want to be wanted.” 🥹
★★★★☆
Happy release day! Thank you so much @sophiatraversauthor for sending me this ARC! ❤️
June 1, 2026
Thank you to Sophia Travers for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinions!
This is the second book in the Crownhaven series and while it is not necessary to have read The Heir, you should because it’s good!
This book concerns Tristan who is required to marry by his thirtieth birthday in order to acquire his shares and inheritance. Instead of allowing his grandfather to pick for him, he announces his quest for a wife and is determined to marry the perfect candidate who will agree to a business first marriage.
This deeply displeases Katie, his bodyguard and best friend for the past three years. Katie finds herself feeling lost, unloved and understandably worried about her future. Katie is such a unique character and I really enjoyed how physically and emotionally strong she was despite all that had happened to her. Tristan also struggles with feelings of inadequacy as the second son and second choice to lead his family’s company. I loved their personal journeys to self acceptance mirrored each other. So much jealous yearning too!!
As with her previous release, the author is donating the release date sales to a charity that benefits marginalized communities in the area and we love to see it.
June 8, 2026
4.5/5 ✨
Tristan and Katie?!?!?!?! this book was everything I needed at this moment. Pls ignore the dates it took me to read this because I could've honestly devour this book in 24 hours. The chemistry between these two characters was undeniable, and I LOVEDDDDD the little moments we get of these two going "wtf?!?!" when they realized just how much they liked one another. The build up, the foreplay, the BANTER, UGH I LOVE THEM BOTH SM!!
The best feeling I get when reading a book is when you can read it and feel as if you're watching two close friends of yours finally fall in love, and this was it. Katie deserved so many hugs throughout this story, and I loved how much she got along with all the family members. And, Tristan?? A JEALOUS MAN?? will always be my favorite, but I also love getting to see his vulnerable side and the growth he makes throughout the story.
Overall, I'm a huge fan of the Prince family, and Tristan Prince is probs a top ten boyfriend now. AND, PLS. There are moments throughout this book that had me questioning my HR cause it was FLUTTERRRINGGGG.
Thank you to the author for the eARC! everyone pls read it, and thanks!!
Tristan and Katie?!?!?!?! this book was everything I needed at this moment. Pls ignore the dates it took me to read this because I could've honestly devour this book in 24 hours. The chemistry between these two characters was undeniable, and I LOVEDDDDD the little moments we get of these two going "wtf?!?!" when they realized just how much they liked one another. The build up, the foreplay, the BANTER, UGH I LOVE THEM BOTH SM!!
The best feeling I get when reading a book is when you can read it and feel as if you're watching two close friends of yours finally fall in love, and this was it. Katie deserved so many hugs throughout this story, and I loved how much she got along with all the family members. And, Tristan?? A JEALOUS MAN?? will always be my favorite, but I also love getting to see his vulnerable side and the growth he makes throughout the story.
Overall, I'm a huge fan of the Prince family, and Tristan Prince is probs a top ten boyfriend now. AND, PLS. There are moments throughout this book that had me questioning my HR cause it was FLUTTERRRINGGGG.
Thank you to the author for the eARC! everyone pls read it, and thanks!!
August 14, 2026
When Stephanie Archer recommend an author, I listen 😌 I rushed to request this when I saw it on NetGalley (and then I rushed to read The Heir first 🤭).
I was really looking forward to Katie and Tristan’s story after reading the first book and I was not disappointed. I loved all the romantic parts of course, but I think what I preferred was Tristan’t growth. I loved to see him embrace his new role and slowly overcome his doubts and traumas.
My main complaint about this book is that I kept expecting more from Katie’s past. We brushed the surface with David, but it never really goes further. Otherwise I really enjoyed it. It wasn’t perfect, but It was funny, cute and full of hope which honestly is all I want from my romances. I love this world and definitely hope we can go back to Crownhaven a couple of times 👀.
What to expect :
🩷Friends to lovers
🩵Celebrity x Bodyguard
🩷Forced Proximity
🩵Forbidden love
🩷Billionaire
🩵Found family
🩷Workplace
🩵Dual POV
⚠️Death of parents, parental abandonment
I was really looking forward to Katie and Tristan’s story after reading the first book and I was not disappointed. I loved all the romantic parts of course, but I think what I preferred was Tristan’t growth. I loved to see him embrace his new role and slowly overcome his doubts and traumas.
My main complaint about this book is that I kept expecting more from Katie’s past. We brushed the surface with David, but it never really goes further. Otherwise I really enjoyed it. It wasn’t perfect, but It was funny, cute and full of hope which honestly is all I want from my romances. I love this world and definitely hope we can go back to Crownhaven a couple of times 👀.
What to expect :
🩷Friends to lovers
🩵Celebrity x Bodyguard
🩷Forced Proximity
🩵Forbidden love
🩷Billionaire
🩵Found family
🩷Workplace
🩵Dual POV
⚠️Death of parents, parental abandonment
May 22, 2026
SOPHIA TRAVERS IS BACK BITCHES AND OH MY FUCKING GOD THIS BOOK WAS SOMETHING ELSE!
We previously had met these two characters in The Heir, but I was NOT PREPARED FOR THE ABSOLUTE HEART WARMING, SOUL MELTING and MAKING ME CRY LIKE A BABY BECAUSE THIS BOOK WAS SO GODDAMN FUCKING GOOD. Everything about this book is literally a *chef’s kiss* and I have so much I want to say, but I don’t think I comprehend how much I LOVED IT!
Straight off the bat I LOVED their friendship. It was SO FUCKING ADORABLE and their dynamic, as well as their banter WAS OFF. THE. CHARTS! We got to see another side to Katie as well as Tristan, and my HEART BROKE FOR BOTH OF THEM! I definitely could relate to Katie more, and it honestly made me feel seen and I just want to HUG HER. I also wanted to snuggle Tristan in my blanket burrito (of love) as he should HAVE NEVER felt the way that he did. With that being said, I FUCKING LOVED TRISTAN WITH MY WHOLE HEART. As for Katie, her character progression made me so happy, and SHE WAS A BAD ASS!
The confessions? DELICIOUS. The yearning? NON-STOP. The vulnerability? A TEARJERKER. The slow burn? SLOW AND FUCKING BURRNNINNNGGG! I will FOREVER be OBSESSED with this book and I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT WAIT for what’s to come next!
We previously had met these two characters in The Heir, but I was NOT PREPARED FOR THE ABSOLUTE HEART WARMING, SOUL MELTING and MAKING ME CRY LIKE A BABY BECAUSE THIS BOOK WAS SO GODDAMN FUCKING GOOD. Everything about this book is literally a *chef’s kiss* and I have so much I want to say, but I don’t think I comprehend how much I LOVED IT!
Straight off the bat I LOVED their friendship. It was SO FUCKING ADORABLE and their dynamic, as well as their banter WAS OFF. THE. CHARTS! We got to see another side to Katie as well as Tristan, and my HEART BROKE FOR BOTH OF THEM! I definitely could relate to Katie more, and it honestly made me feel seen and I just want to HUG HER. I also wanted to snuggle Tristan in my blanket burrito (of love) as he should HAVE NEVER felt the way that he did. With that being said, I FUCKING LOVED TRISTAN WITH MY WHOLE HEART. As for Katie, her character progression made me so happy, and SHE WAS A BAD ASS!
The confessions? DELICIOUS. The yearning? NON-STOP. The vulnerability? A TEARJERKER. The slow burn? SLOW AND FUCKING BURRNNINNNGGG! I will FOREVER be OBSESSED with this book and I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT WAIT for what’s to come next!
June 3, 2026
*ARC REVIEW*
I think I would die for Tristan. I loved this just as much as the Aiden and Emory’s book!!
Tristan is such a broken idiot boy, you can’t help but love him and simultaneously want to yell at him to get his head out of his as.
It’s a yes from me, dawg
I think I would die for Tristan. I loved this just as much as the Aiden and Emory’s book!!
Tristan is such a broken idiot boy, you can’t help but love him and simultaneously want to yell at him to get his head out of his as.
It’s a yes from me, dawg
August 16, 2026
3.5⭐️• ALC - great narration
Second in the series and I like the MCs, but I have very mixed feelings about this book. Not a fan of any lessons trop, it just feels too unrealistic to me. But I did like how these 2 evolved. And then it felt like the spice took over. Many will love this, but I was over it. As much as I don’t love billionaires, I do kinda love this family.
Second in the series and I like the MCs, but I have very mixed feelings about this book. Not a fan of any lessons trop, it just feels too unrealistic to me. But I did like how these 2 evolved. And then it felt like the spice took over. Many will love this, but I was over it. As much as I don’t love billionaires, I do kinda love this family.
June 9, 2026
frick this was good
August 12, 2026
3.75/4 ⭐️
July 10, 2026
4.5/5
It was so refreshing coming back to Crownhaven and finally delving into Tristan and Katie’s story! I loved them so much. Friends to lovers is not my favorite trope but I felt that it was written so well in this book. The angst, tension, and slowburn made this such an enjoyable book and had me constantly rooting for them.
It was also lovely seeing the old characters make their appearances too. I have so much respect for Katie and how fierce, independent, and strong she is. She was wonderfully written and the natural start to her romance with Tristan was so well done in dual POV.
Can’t wait for more of Crownhaven. Whit’s book would certainly be interesting to read👀
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC!!
It was so refreshing coming back to Crownhaven and finally delving into Tristan and Katie’s story! I loved them so much. Friends to lovers is not my favorite trope but I felt that it was written so well in this book. The angst, tension, and slowburn made this such an enjoyable book and had me constantly rooting for them.
It was also lovely seeing the old characters make their appearances too. I have so much respect for Katie and how fierce, independent, and strong she is. She was wonderfully written and the natural start to her romance with Tristan was so well done in dual POV.
Can’t wait for more of Crownhaven. Whit’s book would certainly be interesting to read👀
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC!!
August 20, 2026
Getting this arc was probably the best thing that happened to me this year (thank you sophia travers!)
There is a difference between just good romance books and romance books written like this one . Sophia’s writing sucks you in and you are blushing , giggling , and texting your friends highlighted lines. The only sad thing is the pages go by far too fast. I took the smallest break between the heir and the rebel because I genuinely wasn’t ready to let these characters and this writing go. I adore it. I cannot WAIT for another !
Let it be known Kyra Parsi and Sophia Travers will always have me as a reader . (and also let it be known the stickers of rebel seeks a wife will be all over my stuff now !)
I have been working on my own writing and speaking with my bestfriend Rachel about it and reading stories like this is one of the main things keeping me going . The hope of writing something even half as good as a story like this one is something to dream about .
Thank you for letting me into this world and for letting me have an advanced copy . I loved Tristan and Katie .
2nd read August 2026- (Audiobook)
Thank you once again Sophia Travers for letting me experience Tristan and Katie early !
And even better THIS TIME WITH MY BESTFRIEND !
I had entirely too much fun rereading this ! Even though I just read it in June it was just as addicting . The audiobook narrators were incredible ! I genuinely loved rereading this book and it makes me want to reread the heir .
There is a difference between just good romance books and romance books written like this one . Sophia’s writing sucks you in and you are blushing , giggling , and texting your friends highlighted lines. The only sad thing is the pages go by far too fast. I took the smallest break between the heir and the rebel because I genuinely wasn’t ready to let these characters and this writing go. I adore it. I cannot WAIT for another !
Let it be known Kyra Parsi and Sophia Travers will always have me as a reader . (and also let it be known the stickers of rebel seeks a wife will be all over my stuff now !)
I have been working on my own writing and speaking with my bestfriend Rachel about it and reading stories like this is one of the main things keeping me going . The hope of writing something even half as good as a story like this one is something to dream about .
Thank you for letting me into this world and for letting me have an advanced copy . I loved Tristan and Katie .
2nd read August 2026- (Audiobook)
Thank you once again Sophia Travers for letting me experience Tristan and Katie early !
And even better THIS TIME WITH MY BESTFRIEND !
I had entirely too much fun rereading this ! Even though I just read it in June it was just as addicting . The audiobook narrators were incredible ! I genuinely loved rereading this book and it makes me want to reread the heir .
June 12, 2026
I receive a review copy and these are my thoughts:
He’s a charming bachelor. She’s his bodyguard and best friend. Tristan is being forced to find a wife and Katie is determined to bury her feelings for him by going on dates. Things take a turn between them after Tristan offers to give Katie dating lessons. As they spend time together, practice and watch each other interact with potential matches, feelings surface, lines become blurred and the outcome is an uncertain one.
I devoured this book in two days and it’s over 400 pages long. This book had some of the best slow burn I’ve read this year. The first 60% were my favourite and had me COMPLETELY hooked - the tension and attraction between them was so strong and palpable. I had to take a few deep breaths from time to time. Until they kissed, it was all in the lingering looks and touches, internal monologue and the yearning! Katie tried so hard to fight her growing feelings. And the scene where they clean up each other’s cuts and bruises?! So hot!
After that, I felt they fell into a bit of a lust induced haze and the spice was on. The fact that they were both emotionally closed off and that Tristan took his very sweet time to come to the realisation that he was in love with Katie (seriously Tristan!!), meant they used their time together to explore their physical connection and not so much their emotional one, since they were both in denial. The side characters really gave these two a hand when it came to interpreting their feelings and problem solving.
I liked that Katie was his bodyguard and was very good at her job. She was skilled and fiercely loyal. Even though she presented a stoic demeanour, beneath the surface, she was lonely and afraid she could never be more than just “the bodyguard”. Tristan was rich and charming and a bit of a playboy, but beneath the surface, was a man who was afraid to love but was fiercely devoted to his siblings and the company. They were great together because they loved each other for whom they were, flaws and all.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
[Spice: 2.5-3/5🌶️]
He’s a charming bachelor. She’s his bodyguard and best friend. Tristan is being forced to find a wife and Katie is determined to bury her feelings for him by going on dates. Things take a turn between them after Tristan offers to give Katie dating lessons. As they spend time together, practice and watch each other interact with potential matches, feelings surface, lines become blurred and the outcome is an uncertain one.
I devoured this book in two days and it’s over 400 pages long. This book had some of the best slow burn I’ve read this year. The first 60% were my favourite and had me COMPLETELY hooked - the tension and attraction between them was so strong and palpable. I had to take a few deep breaths from time to time. Until they kissed, it was all in the lingering looks and touches, internal monologue and the yearning! Katie tried so hard to fight her growing feelings. And the scene where they clean up each other’s cuts and bruises?! So hot!
After that, I felt they fell into a bit of a lust induced haze and the spice was on. The fact that they were both emotionally closed off and that Tristan took his very sweet time to come to the realisation that he was in love with Katie (seriously Tristan!!), meant they used their time together to explore their physical connection and not so much their emotional one, since they were both in denial. The side characters really gave these two a hand when it came to interpreting their feelings and problem solving.
I liked that Katie was his bodyguard and was very good at her job. She was skilled and fiercely loyal. Even though she presented a stoic demeanour, beneath the surface, she was lonely and afraid she could never be more than just “the bodyguard”. Tristan was rich and charming and a bit of a playboy, but beneath the surface, was a man who was afraid to love but was fiercely devoted to his siblings and the company. They were great together because they loved each other for whom they were, flaws and all.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
[Spice: 2.5-3/5🌶️]
August 13, 2026
3.5⭐️ Really cute and at times, unexpectedly a little hot. 😮💨🥵
I am really enjoying this series. It has been perfect for when I’m needing something light and fluffy on audio. The duet narration with the easy going storylines have been the perfect cozy listen while I work around the house. I did find Tristan and Katie’s story to drag a little bit and things started to become a little redundant at the end but overall I liked it and the story kept me engaged. Tristan, or who my mind would often refer to as “10 second Tom”, was a fun, likable character and managed to still make for a sexy book boyfriend even if he was a one pump chump. 🤣🤣🤣
As far as narration, when Greyson Owens has the right role, he just does it for me. Tristan probably wasn’t the right character for Greyson to narrate because whenever he does a “golden retriever” role he goes from being sadistically delicious to nerdy accountant voice. That being said, there would be little moments when Greyson Owen’s darker side would come out to play like, “Get in the water” and I was like, well hello sir, glad to have you back. 😉 Stella Hunter was a great fit for Katie.
Disclaimer, don’t be fooled by my “lower” rating. I am thoroughly enjoying this series on audio. Every book has been performed in duet narration by some of my top favorite narrators. Personally, I enjoyed the first book’s storyline more so that is why I pushed this one down to a 3.5⭐️.
A great big THANK YOU to the publishers at Hunting Lane Publishing LLC for an audio copy of, The Rebel Seeks A Wife. My thoughts are my own.
I am really enjoying this series. It has been perfect for when I’m needing something light and fluffy on audio. The duet narration with the easy going storylines have been the perfect cozy listen while I work around the house. I did find Tristan and Katie’s story to drag a little bit and things started to become a little redundant at the end but overall I liked it and the story kept me engaged. Tristan, or who my mind would often refer to as “10 second Tom”, was a fun, likable character and managed to still make for a sexy book boyfriend even if he was a one pump chump. 🤣🤣🤣
As far as narration, when Greyson Owens has the right role, he just does it for me. Tristan probably wasn’t the right character for Greyson to narrate because whenever he does a “golden retriever” role he goes from being sadistically delicious to nerdy accountant voice. That being said, there would be little moments when Greyson Owen’s darker side would come out to play like, “Get in the water” and I was like, well hello sir, glad to have you back. 😉 Stella Hunter was a great fit for Katie.
Disclaimer, don’t be fooled by my “lower” rating. I am thoroughly enjoying this series on audio. Every book has been performed in duet narration by some of my top favorite narrators. Personally, I enjoyed the first book’s storyline more so that is why I pushed this one down to a 3.5⭐️.
A great big THANK YOU to the publishers at Hunting Lane Publishing LLC for an audio copy of, The Rebel Seeks A Wife. My thoughts are my own.
August 12, 2026
ALC Review:
Duet Narration by Stella Hunter and Grayson Owens
Tropes:
Friends to lovers
Dating coach
Old money heir x Bodyguard FMC
Forbidden romance
Pinning and Angst
Katie and Tristan have spent three years navigating a close friendship while secretly carrying the weight of being the "leftovers"—feeling secondary in their worlds. Desperate to move on from her unrequited feelings, Katie decides it is time to start dating, prompting Tristan to step in as her personal dating coach. But as practice turns into genuine jealousy, the barrier between professional guidance and deep passion completely dissolves.
The flirty banter between them is top-tier, the nicknames (Killer for Katie and Sunshine for Tristan) add so much personal affection, and the dancing lesson scene radiates palpable heat and desire. One of the absolute highlights is watching Tristan step up and show his real strength, particularly when standing up to his grandfather to prove he is a genuine leader.
Stella Hunter and Grayson Owens bring exceptional life to Katie and Tristan. Stella Hunter effortlessly captures Katie's fierce, protective outer shell while subtly grounding her emotional vulnerability. Grayson Owens delivers Tristan with a rich balance of smooth, charming charisma and intense, protective longing. Together, their dynamic performance makes every shared moment pop off the page.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and author Sophia Travers for this ALC!
Duet Narration by Stella Hunter and Grayson Owens
Tropes:
Friends to lovers
Dating coach
Old money heir x Bodyguard FMC
Forbidden romance
Pinning and Angst
Katie and Tristan have spent three years navigating a close friendship while secretly carrying the weight of being the "leftovers"—feeling secondary in their worlds. Desperate to move on from her unrequited feelings, Katie decides it is time to start dating, prompting Tristan to step in as her personal dating coach. But as practice turns into genuine jealousy, the barrier between professional guidance and deep passion completely dissolves.
The flirty banter between them is top-tier, the nicknames (Killer for Katie and Sunshine for Tristan) add so much personal affection, and the dancing lesson scene radiates palpable heat and desire. One of the absolute highlights is watching Tristan step up and show his real strength, particularly when standing up to his grandfather to prove he is a genuine leader.
Stella Hunter and Grayson Owens bring exceptional life to Katie and Tristan. Stella Hunter effortlessly captures Katie's fierce, protective outer shell while subtly grounding her emotional vulnerability. Grayson Owens delivers Tristan with a rich balance of smooth, charming charisma and intense, protective longing. Together, their dynamic performance makes every shared moment pop off the page.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and author Sophia Travers for this ALC!
August 4, 2026
Just like book 1 of the Crownhaven series, The Heir, I absolutely inhaled book 2, The Rebel Seeks a Wife. This second book could definitely be read as a standalone without any prior knowledge of book 1, although it was lovely to see the main characters from The Heir appear as side characters. The stars of this book were second Prince son Tristan, and his bodyguard and best friend Katie. I love a friends-to-lovers plotline when done right, and I think this one was. I really liked the two of them together and the audiobook hours flew by!
The duet narration of the audiobook was amazing, and I definitely recommend the audiobook format!
The conflict with Tristan's grandfather that drove Tristan's search for a wife in the first place was resolved very quickly at the end of the book, so I would have liked to see that cause more of an impact or be harder for the couple to work through. But overall my 4.5 rating gets rounded up to 5 stars on Goodreads and NetGalley anyway.
If you are looking purely for a romance without much of a wider plot, the Crownhaven series might be perfect!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.
The duet narration of the audiobook was amazing, and I definitely recommend the audiobook format!
The conflict with Tristan's grandfather that drove Tristan's search for a wife in the first place was resolved very quickly at the end of the book, so I would have liked to see that cause more of an impact or be harder for the couple to work through. But overall my 4.5 rating gets rounded up to 5 stars on Goodreads and NetGalley anyway.
If you are looking purely for a romance without much of a wider plot, the Crownhaven series might be perfect!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 1, 2026
I really enjoyed returning to Crownhaven with Tristan and Katie’s story! 😍
After reading The Heir, I was so excited to get Tristan and Katie’s book, and it did not disappoint.
Tristan and Katie have been friends for so long, which made it so cute to watch them slowly realize there had always been something more between them. They spend so much time denying their feelings, while everyone around them can clearly see what’s happening.
I loved their friendship, their banter, and all the little moments they shared together. Their relationship felt natural and genuine, and it was beautiful to see their love grow into something neither of them could ignore anymore. They care so deeply about each other, and that really shines through in every interaction.
I also loved being back with the Prince family and seeing more of the characters from the first book. This series has such a cozy and heartwarming feel that keeps me wanting more.
I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series! 🩵
Thanks for the ARC!
After reading The Heir, I was so excited to get Tristan and Katie’s book, and it did not disappoint.
Tristan and Katie have been friends for so long, which made it so cute to watch them slowly realize there had always been something more between them. They spend so much time denying their feelings, while everyone around them can clearly see what’s happening.
I loved their friendship, their banter, and all the little moments they shared together. Their relationship felt natural and genuine, and it was beautiful to see their love grow into something neither of them could ignore anymore. They care so deeply about each other, and that really shines through in every interaction.
I also loved being back with the Prince family and seeing more of the characters from the first book. This series has such a cozy and heartwarming feel that keeps me wanting more.
I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series! 🩵
Thanks for the ARC!
May 18, 2026
ARC Review: We’re back in Crownhaven for some more high-yearning high-society drama, and I love it!
This time around we have Katie and Tristan, or as I like to call them “idiots in love”. They’ve been best friends since Katie was hired as the Prince’s bodyguard; but now that Katie wants to start dating more and Tristan needs to find a wife , things get a bit more complicated.
Their friendship was so well built ; and I love the tension that comes from friends-to-lovers when the friendship in itself is already affectious and the character struggle to take the next step emotionally with each other - THE YEARNING!
The background given to both Katie and Tristan adds so much to their emotional struggles and it was amazing to see how Aiden and Emory helped them get through them now that they have their own happy ending.
I love the Prince siblings but the “girl’s girl” vibes this book has with the female characters really steals the spotlight for me!
I do think I preferred The Heir because it explored the dynamics in Crownhaven a bit more than in this one.
*The author has also confirmed that release day proceeds will be donated to For the Gworls - an organization that provides Black, trans people with essential resources!*
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Victory Editing for the chance to read the ARC.
This time around we have Katie and Tristan, or as I like to call them “idiots in love”. They’ve been best friends since Katie was hired as the Prince’s bodyguard; but now that Katie wants to start dating more and Tristan needs to find a wife , things get a bit more complicated.
Their friendship was so well built ; and I love the tension that comes from friends-to-lovers when the friendship in itself is already affectious and the character struggle to take the next step emotionally with each other - THE YEARNING!
The background given to both Katie and Tristan adds so much to their emotional struggles and it was amazing to see how Aiden and Emory helped them get through them now that they have their own happy ending.
I love the Prince siblings but the “girl’s girl” vibes this book has with the female characters really steals the spotlight for me!
I do think I preferred The Heir because it explored the dynamics in Crownhaven a bit more than in this one.
*The author has also confirmed that release day proceeds will be donated to For the Gworls - an organization that provides Black, trans people with essential resources!*
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Victory Editing for the chance to read the ARC.
July 3, 2026
There’s something devastatingly human about The Rebel Seeks a Wife by Sophia Travers.
At its heart, this is a friendship to lovers story wrapped in longing, vulnerability, found family, and the quiet ache of wondering if you’re truly enough for the people you love. Katie felt so real to me because every single person has had that moment of looking at themselves and wondering, Am I good enough?
And somehow this book takes all of those fears and lays them bare while still feeling hopeful.
I was not expecting open mic night... that is all.
Watching Katie and Tristan grow together felt intimate in the best possible way. Their relationship unfolds so naturally that by the end I felt like I had handed little pieces of my heart over to them without even realizing it. The chemistry, the tenderness, the emotional struggles, the found family dynamics. Every part of it just lined up perfectly for me.
Now I can’t stop imagining myself as Katie Bailey, gallivanting around with Tristan Prince.
This book carved out a permanent little space inside me, and I already know it’s going to stay one of my favorite reads of the year.
At its heart, this is a friendship to lovers story wrapped in longing, vulnerability, found family, and the quiet ache of wondering if you’re truly enough for the people you love. Katie felt so real to me because every single person has had that moment of looking at themselves and wondering, Am I good enough?
And somehow this book takes all of those fears and lays them bare while still feeling hopeful.
I was not expecting open mic night... that is all.
Watching Katie and Tristan grow together felt intimate in the best possible way. Their relationship unfolds so naturally that by the end I felt like I had handed little pieces of my heart over to them without even realizing it. The chemistry, the tenderness, the emotional struggles, the found family dynamics. Every part of it just lined up perfectly for me.
Now I can’t stop imagining myself as Katie Bailey, gallivanting around with Tristan Prince.
This book carved out a permanent little space inside me, and I already know it’s going to stay one of my favorite reads of the year.
June 6, 2026
4,75 ⭐
This book was an ARC from NetGalley, but since I arrived a little late, I read it on Kindle Unlimited.
WHAT A GREAT BOOK, GIRLS!!! I enjoyed it from start to finish, and I devoured 60% of it in just two days. It’s a page-turner; Sophie’s writing is incredible, and the characters are fantastic.
I loved the romance between Katie and Tristan—they were adorable and sexy (and I love Katie; we need more female bodyguards in books!!!)
To be honest, I didn’t read the first book in the series, but this one has really made me want to read Emory and Aiden’s story because it looks incredible. I don’t know how much I’ll read in June, but this book will be one of my favorites of the month <3
This book was an ARC from NetGalley, but since I arrived a little late, I read it on Kindle Unlimited.
WHAT A GREAT BOOK, GIRLS!!! I enjoyed it from start to finish, and I devoured 60% of it in just two days. It’s a page-turner; Sophie’s writing is incredible, and the characters are fantastic.
I loved the romance between Katie and Tristan—they were adorable and sexy (and I love Katie; we need more female bodyguards in books!!!)
To be honest, I didn’t read the first book in the series, but this one has really made me want to read Emory and Aiden’s story because it looks incredible. I don’t know how much I’ll read in June, but this book will be one of my favorites of the month <3
May 26, 2026
3.75 ✨
ARC Review:
This billionaire x bodyguard romance was an easy breezy read with familiar romance tropes like:
Friends to Lovers
Yearning and Tension
Dating Coach
Forbidden Romance
I loved being back in the Crownhaven world after absolutely devouring The Heir last summer. @SophiaTravers knows how to write addicting, steamy romances 🔥.
Tristan Prince is charming and confident, and could have any girl he wants- but he tends to keep women at arms length; he simply doesn’t do feelings.
Katie is the Prince family bodyguard, and also Tristan’s best friend. She’s athletic and loyal, and is comfortable with her role in the background. Katie felt an instant attraction to Tristan, but she doesn’t dare to hope that they could ever be anything more than friends.
Things get messy when Tristan’s grandfather says that he must marry before taking over the family business as CEO. To avoid having his grandfather arrange a match, Tristan must find a suitable bride- and fast.
If you’re looking for a low stakes romance to read, The Rebel Seeks a Wife is the perfect fit!
.
.
ARC Review:
This billionaire x bodyguard romance was an easy breezy read with familiar romance tropes like:
Friends to Lovers
Yearning and Tension
Dating Coach
Forbidden Romance
I loved being back in the Crownhaven world after absolutely devouring The Heir last summer. @SophiaTravers knows how to write addicting, steamy romances 🔥.
Tristan Prince is charming and confident, and could have any girl he wants- but he tends to keep women at arms length; he simply doesn’t do feelings.
Katie is the Prince family bodyguard, and also Tristan’s best friend. She’s athletic and loyal, and is comfortable with her role in the background. Katie felt an instant attraction to Tristan, but she doesn’t dare to hope that they could ever be anything more than friends.
Things get messy when Tristan’s grandfather says that he must marry before taking over the family business as CEO. To avoid having his grandfather arrange a match, Tristan must find a suitable bride- and fast.
If you’re looking for a low stakes romance to read, The Rebel Seeks a Wife is the perfect fit!
.
.
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